Natural beauty is on display everywhere you look on this two-week journey through the Marquesas, Tuamotus, and the Society Islands. This itinerary offers plenty of time to explore at your own pace, from the pristine beaches and exceptional diving of the Tuamotu Archipelago to the Marquesas Islands of Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Tahuata, and Nuku Hiva, all of which are as rich in culture as they are in rugged, natural beauty. Continue on to the picturesque Society Islands.
Inclusions
- 14 nights cruise aboard the 5+ star m/s Paul Gauguin
- Paul Gauguin Cruises All-Inclusive Distinctions:
• All onboard meals—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and complimentary 24-hour room service
• Onboard gratuities for room stewards and dining/bar staff
• Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and select wine, beer, and spirits
• Onboard entertainment, including our own troupe of Polynesian host/entertainers and presentations by local naturalists and a variety of special guests
• A state-of-the-art, retractable water-sports marina featuring complimentary kayaking and paddle boarding - Canadian Resident rates and up to $300 USD onboard credit per couple!
| Cruise only | December 30, 2023 | August 24, 2024 |
| F Porthole | ||
| E Window | ||
| D Balcony | ||
| C Balcony | ||
| B Balcony (includes Butler service) | ||
| Taxes & Fees | $318 | $310 |
| Rates in USD. Per person based on double occupancy. Canadian residents only |
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December 30, 2023 – January 13, 2024
| Day | Ports | Arrive | Depart |
| 1 | Papeete, Tahiti Island | all guests have to be on board before 5:00 pm | 11:59 PM |
| 2 | At Sea | ||
| 3 | Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands | 7:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| 4 | At Sea | ||
| 5 | Omoa, Fatu Hiva Island | 8:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| 6 | Atuona, Marquesas Islands | 8:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| 7 | Hapatoni, Tahuata Island | 8:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| 8 | Taiohae, Nuka Hiva Island | 8:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| 9 | At Sea | ||
| 10 | At Sea | ||
| 11 | Huahine, Society Islands | 8:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| 12 | Bora Bora, Society Islands | 8:00 AM | 11:00 PM |
| 13 | Motu Mahana, Taha’a Island, Society Islands | 8:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| 14 | Moorea Island | 8:00 AM | 4:30 PM |
| 15 | Papeete, Tahiti Island | 7:30 PM |
DECEMBER 30, 2023: Tahiti, Society Islands
The largest of French Polynesia’s 118 islands, Tahiti and it’s capital city of Papeete are the perfect place to begin (and/or end) your South Pacific sojourn. The Gauguin waits patiently in the harbor, a vibrant and bustling market across the street and in the evenings roulottes (food trucks) line the nearby square offering tasty local fare.
DECEMBER 31, 2023: At Sea
JANUARY 1, 2024: Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands
Fakarava is an unspoiled paradise in every sense of the word. In addition to the many rare species of plants and animals, you’ll find in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it’s also a place of cultural and historical significance, with charming villages, ancient temples, and spectacular coral churches.
JANUARY 2, 2024: At Sea
JANUARY 3, 2024: Omoa, Fatu Hiva, Marquesas Islands
The southernmost island in the Marquesas, Fatu Hiva is wild, remote, and spectacularly beautiful. Don’t forget your camera—you’ll be treated to jungle greenery that begins right at the water’s edge; sheer cliffs; and deep, indigo waters. With only 500 residents and only one road, this island is almost completely yours.
JANUARY 4, 2024: Atuona, Marquesas Islands
Take an excursion to explore the deep valleys, rugged peaks and dense velvet rainforests of Hiva Oa, which offer up ancient, massive stone tiki carvings and petroglyphs. Or visit Paul Gauguin’s grave on the way in to the village of Atuona where you can see Belgian singer Jacques Brel’s plane, Jojo and learn about why these famous artists fell in love with this particular island.
JANUARY 5, 2024: Hapatoni, Tahuata, Marquesas Islands
The leaf-shaped volcanic island of Tahuata may be small, at only 19 square miles, but it’s full of surprises—in fact, its name means “sunrise” in Marquesan. With only 600 residents, you’ll immediately feel welcomed by the friendly locals as you make your way along an ancient royal walkway into the quaint village of Hapatoni. If you’re looking to take home a hand-carved tiki from the South Pacific—this is where you’ll find the perfect treasure.
JANUARY 6, 2024: Taiohae, Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands
Water or land? When you arrive in Taiohae, choices abound. Hike with a guide to discover massive banyan trees and hidden valleys or embark upon an optional 4×4 excursion through the Taipivai Valley.
JANUARY 7, 2024 to JANUARY 8, 2024: At Sea
JANUARY 9, 2024: Huahine, Society Islands
Don’t be fooled by the vibe of this laid-back, secluded island. Many treasures are hidden among the lush rainforest and dramatic terrain. With a bit of exploration, you’ll uncover some of the best-preserved archeological sites in French Polynesia. Underwater treasures await as well, with a snorkel excursion in the lagoon.
JANUARY 10, 2024: Bora Bora, Society Islands
Explore lush peaks, wander white-sand beaches, and marvel at the iconic views of Mount Otemanu. Take the plunge with a SCUBA excursion to see the island’s colorful coral reefs, enjoy a sunset jetboat ride, or spend a lazy afternoon on our private beach. Like a priceless Paul Gauguin painting come to life, storied Bora Bora is colorful and unforgettable. The landscape alone will have you searching for adequate adjectives, especially once you see the lagoon—“turquoise” just doesn’t do it justice.
JANUARY 11, 2024: Taha’a Island, Society Islands
As the day unfolds in front of you, where will you go? Exciting shore excursions await, but so does Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ own private islet. Choose from swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or simply lounging on the beach with a cold drink from our floating bar. Les Gauguines are also on hand to share musical entertainment and Polynesian crafts.
JANUARY 12, 2024: Moorea, Society Islands
Step into a vibrant, colorful world in bright and beautiful Moorea, which welcomes you with azure lagoons, impossibly fresh tropical fruits, stunning mountain peaks and palm-fringed beaches. Commune with nature on an optional dolphin-watching excursion with an expert marine biologist. Afterwards, spend some time getting to know the local residents while shopping for handmade crafts.
JANUARY 13, 2024: Tahiti, Society Islands
The largest of French Polynesia’s 118 islands, Tahiti and it’s capital city of Papeete are the perfect place to begin (and/or end) your South Pacific sojourn. The Gauguin waits patiently in the harbor, a vibrant and bustling market across the street and in the evenings roulottes (food trucks) line the nearby square offering tasty local fare.
August 24, 2024 – September 7, 2024
| Day | Ports | Arrive | Depart |
| 1 | Papeete, Tahiti Island | all guests have to be on board before 5:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| 2 | Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands | 12:30 PM | 6:00 PM |
| 3 | At Sea | ||
| 4 | Omoa, Fatu Hiva Island | 11:00 AM | 4:30 PM |
| 5 | Atuona, Marquesas Islands | 7:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Hapatoni, Tahuata Island | 8:00 PM | ||
| 6 | Hapatoni, Tahuata Island | 10:00 PM | |
| 7 | Hatiheu, Nuku Hiva Island | 7:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| 8 | Hakahau, Ua Pou Island | 12:01 AM | 6:00 PM |
| 9 | At Sea | ||
| 10 | At Sea | ||
| 11 | Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands | 7:00 AM | 5:30 PM |
| 12 | At Sea | ||
| 13 | Bora Bora, Society Islands | 7:00 AM | 11:49 PM |
| 14 | Taha’a Island, Society Island | 8:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| 15 | Pepeete, Tahiti Island | 7:00 AM |
AUGUST 24, 2024: Tahiti, Society Islands
The largest of French Polynesia’s 118 islands, Tahiti and it’s capital city of Papeete are the perfect place to begin (and/or end) your South Pacific sojourn. The Gauguin waits patiently in the harbor, a vibrant and bustling market across the street and in the evenings roulottes (food trucks) line the nearby square offering tasty local fare.
AUGUST 25, 2024: Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands
Fakarava is an unspoiled paradise in every sense of the word. In addition to the many rare species of plants and animals, you’ll find in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it’s also a place of cultural and historical significance, with charming villages, ancient temples, and spectacular coral churches.
AUGUST 26, 2024: At Sea
AUGUST 27, 2024: Omoa, Fatu Hiva, Marquesas Islands
The southernmost island in the Marquesas, Fatu Hiva is wild, remote, and spectacularly beautiful. Don’t forget your camera—you’ll be treated to jungle greenery that begins right at the water’s edge; sheer cliffs; and deep, indigo waters. With only 500 residents and only one road, this island is almost completely yours.
AUGUST 28, 2024: Atuona, Marquesas Islands
Take an excursion to explore the deep valleys, rugged peaks and dense velvet rainforests of Hiva Oa, which offer up ancient, massive stone tiki carvings and petroglyphs. Or visit Paul Gauguin’s grave on the way in to the village of Atuona where you can see Belgian singer Jacques Brel’s plane, Jojo and learn about why these famous artists fell in love with this particular island.
AUGUST 28, 2024 to AUGUST 29, 2024: Hapatoni, Tahuata, Marquesas Islands
The leaf-shaped volcanic island of Tahuata may be small, at only 19 square miles, but it’s full of surprises—in fact, its name means “sunrise” in Marquesan. With only 600 residents, you’ll immediately feel welcomed by the friendly locals as you make your way along an ancient royal walkway into the quaint village of Hapatoni. If you’re looking to take home a hand-carved tiki from the South Pacific—this is where you’ll find the perfect treasure.
AUGUST 30, 2024: Hatiheu, Nuku Hiva Island
Author Robert Louis Stevenson favored Nuku Hiva’s arching Hatiheu Bay for its enchanting, picture-postcard setting, lined with black sand and crowned by towering basalt cliffs. A visit to Hatiheu promises discovery both cultured and rare. Rife with archaeological sites, the ancient village is best known for its petroglyphs of human figures, turtles, and fish, as well as its marae (traditional temples) and tohua (open-air gathering places)–the most scared of these being the me’ae l’ipoka, protected by a massive banyan tree.
AUGUST 31, 2024: Hakahau, Ua Pou Island
Truly off the beaten path, the tiny isle of Ua Pou is one of the least visited destinations in all French Polynesia. With its jagged basalt pinnacles rising from the sea to pierce the sky and myriad intimate bays lining its shores, it is one of the most dramatically scenic islands in the Marquesas to witness on approach. The small village of Hakahau is the island’s main town, and locals here take great pride in their ancestral culture, as shown by impressive archaeological sites and modern-day artisan crafts.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 to SEPTEMBER 2, 2024: At Sea
SEPTEMBER 3, 2024: Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands
Life is beautifully simple in Rangiroa, the largest atoll of the Tuamotu Archipelago in the eastern Pacific Ocean. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture. Tour a local black pearl farm, wander the village of Avatoru, or visit Dominique Auroy Winery, which produces French Polynesia’s only wine label.
SEPTEMBER 4, 2024: At Sea
SEPTEMBER 5, 2024: Bora Bora, Society Islands
Explore lush peaks, wander white-sand beaches, and marvel at the iconic views of Mount Otemanu. Take the plunge with a SCUBA excursion to see the island’s colorful coral reefs, enjoy a sunset jetboat ride, or spend a lazy afternoon on our private beach. Like a priceless Paul Gauguin painting come to life, storied Bora Bora is colorful and unforgettable. The landscape alone will have you searching for adequate adjectives, especially once you see the lagoon—“turquoise” just doesn’t do it justice.
SEPTEMBER 6, 2024: (Motu Mahana) Taha’a Island, Society Islands
As the day unfolds in front of you, where will you go? Exciting shore excursions await, but so does Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ own private islet. Choose from swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or simply lounging on the beach with a cold drink from our floating bar. Les Gauguines are also on hand to share musical entertainment and Polynesian crafts.
SEPTEMBER 7, 2024 Tahiti, Society Islands
The largest of French Polynesia’s 118 islands, Tahiti and it’s capital city of Papeete are the perfect place to begin (and/or end) your South Pacific sojourn. The Gauguin waits patiently in the harbor, a vibrant and bustling market across the street and in the evenings roulottes (food trucks) line the nearby square offering tasty local fare.
Highlights
- Fakarava is a nature lover’s paradise. The remote island is a sanctuary for rare birds, plants, and crustaceans, many of which are easily spotted during a stroll on the island’s incredible beaches.
- Step back in history on the island of Hiva Oa, which is the burial place of artist Paul Gauguin, as well as home of the largest stone sculptures in the Marquesas, considered to be linked to the famous tikis of Easter Island.
- Spend a relaxing day on Motu Mahana, our very own private islet, complete with white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, a barbecue lunch, drinks served in coconuts and a floating lagoon bar
- In Bora Bora, spend time at our exclusive white-sand beach on a motu enjoying snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, volleyball, and stunning views of Mount Otemanu.
